Fostering economic, human and community development in Holyoke, Massachusetts through projects relating to food, agriculture, and the environment. (Our Roots)

Supports Gardeners Secures land, tests and improves soil Trains and supports leadership development (stipends for elected leaders) Training on organic gardening techniques Engages members in further projects

Supports Youth Youth leadership training Entrepreneurship & job skills Staff and structure Expression & culture

Supports Entrepreneurs Unique beautiful facilities Training and technical assistance Business planning Access to financing – small business loans, IDAs Marketing and markets

Supports Beginning Farmers Training and technical assistance in business & production Access to Financing – micro-loans and IDAs Access to markets, on farm and off Land and shared-equipment Incubation to buy and rent land elsewhere Specialty seeds from countries of origin Research on growing techniques with university

Supports Farmers’ Markets Promotion Culturally appropriate products Equipment – tents, EBT Coupons Allies – health, economic development, culture

Supports Community-Led Policy Culturally-based leadership development classes Advocacy training Allies Community organizing Creativity

HERITAGE AND KNOWLEDGE Many of the residents of downtown Holyoke have come from rural Puerto Rico. Many grew up on farms and many first came to the Northeast as migrant farm workers. The members of Nuestras Ra í ces have lifetimes of experience in farming. They are proud to use their knowledge to improve their neighborhoods and pass on their heritage to a younger generation.

Farmers raise specialty crops like ají dulce and calabaza, plus tomatoes, eggplants, sweet corn and more.

Ají dulce seeds planted in greenhouse, 2 pt jobs Ají dulce plants sold at market, to farmers = 2 youth jobs Waste food composted, planting medium for more seeds, plants 8-12 Farmers grow ajíes, sell at market and to sofrito maker. Sofrito maker sells to public, to restaurant = 1 family business, 2 jobs Restaurant sells to public = 1 bus. opp. 2 FT, 3 pt jobs Ají Dulce Pepper Plant